England centre Jonathan Joseph admits that comparisons between him and Jeremy Guscott are a "great honour" but he is fully aware of the challenge he faces to live up to them.

Guscott earned 65 England caps and also played eight Tests for the British & Irish Lions. He famously dropped the goal that won the second Test and the series against South Africa in 1997 and is widely regarded as one of the best ever centres. Joseph could find himself back in the England XV for their match with South Africa at the weekend and while he is in the early stages of his Test career, he is already drawing comparisons with Guscott.

"I quite like the comparison," Joseph said. "I've been told it a few times and it's great to be compared to a player like Jeremy Guscott. It's a great honour.

"I just have to keep working hard on what I am trying to bring to rugby and my game. I'm different to a few of the centres we've got and the coaches know that. It's about getting my game as good as it can be.

"It's great for me to learn off Mike Catt and Andy Farrell and the senior players. I like getting the ball in my hands, creating space for others and myself and using footwork. That's my best attribute but you have to get front ball to do that. It's getting the right balance."

Joseph played against South Africa on England's June tour but missed the opening two matches in the November Test series due to injury. He could now force his way back into the XV, which is named on Thursday, and he is looking forward to potentially running out on Saturday.

"My timing doesn't seem to be that great with injuries. You just have to get back as quickly as possible. I'm ready to go now," Joseph said. "It's a huge honour to be involved in a Test match against Twickenham. It will be awesome.

"We know what they're going to come with. They are a very physical side that brings a lot of intent. We have to match that early on and not let them get on top of us like they did in that second Test in the summer. We played a lot smarter in the third Test. We have to show real intent ourselves and get off to a good start. I think that's important for us. We have quite a bit of variety."